UTILITIES MAINTENANCE:

Due to disruption in utilities, the Northwest library is closing early (Tuesday, 3/11/25). We will reopen tomorrow at 9am.

Ralph Ellison Library

Ralph Ellison Library

Contact Information

2000 NE 23rd Street

Oklahoma City, OK

73111

Phone: (405) 424-1437

About Ralph Ellison Library 

The Ralph Ellison Library opened in its current location in 1975. Named in honor of Oklahoma City native and acclaimed author Ralph Ellison, this library is in one of Oklahoma City’s historically African-American neighborhoods yet serves a diverse group of residents. Customers rely on the library to find basic information about voting, taxes, tutoring, government assistance, and a variety of other fundamental needs. In addition, the library serves a dynamic population of motivated customers ranging from school-age children to young adults and elders in the community.  The Library serves as an essential hub for services, research, programs and events linking members of the larger community to one another.

Book drop location: To the right of entrance.

Public transit:

 

Services

    Technology

    • Public use computers with 60-minute internet access and printing capabilities
    • Mobile and offsite printing
    • Free Wi-Fi
    • Color copy machine with free outbound faxing (to U.S. numbers only) and scanning capability
    • Wi-Fi hotspots (available to check out; holds can be placed in our catalog)

    Collection

    • Self-serve holds shelf and a self-check machine
    • Catalog computers dedicated to accessing the library's collection
    • Library staff who can provide assistance locating information, using print and electronic sources, and provide readers' advisory
    • Place and pick up interlibrary loan requests
    • Tours and instruction in the use of library resources (by appointment)
    • Experience Passes - Free admission to local museums. For more information, click here

    Spaces

    Special Collections

    • Black History Collection

Hours of Operation

Please check the top of this page for notices impacting our hours of operation or services offered.

Monday - Thursday: 9am - 9pm
Friday: 9am - 6pm
Saturday: 9am - 5pm
Sunday: 1 - 6pm


Curbside Hours

Mon-Friday: 9am - 6pm
Saturday: 9am - 5pm
Sunday: 1pm - 6pm

Upcoming Events

This event is in the "All Ages" group.

African American Inventor Exhibit by Phil Tolbert

All Day 3/1 - 3/31
All Ages
Ralph Ellison Library
Library Branch: Ralph Ellison Library
Room: Onsite (Ralph Ellison)
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Community & Civics, Displays & Exhibits
Event Description:

Ralph Ellison Library is honored and excited to host librarian and researcher Phillip Tolbert's curated display of African American Inventors in celebration of Black History Month.

This event is in the "All Ages" group.
This event is in the "Birth-PreK" group.
This event is in the "Kids" group.

St Patrick's Day Take Home Kit​​

All Day 3/3 - 3/14
All Ages, Birth-PreK, Kids
Ralph Ellison Library
Library Branch: Ralph Ellison Library
Room: Online + Curbside (Ralph Ellison)
Age Group: All Ages, Birth-PreK, Kids
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, DIY & Hobbies, Take-Home Kit
Event Description:

It's St. Patrick's Day, so get a take-home kit to learn more about the day and do a fun craft making a wreath to take home and hang up. 

Disclaimer(s)

It is encouraged that an adult supervise children while using this Metropolitan Library System Take & Make Kit.

This event is in the "Adults" group.

Adult Basic Education Classes (ABE)

10:30am - 12:30pm
Adults
Ralph Ellison Library
Library Branch: Ralph Ellison Library
Room: Meeting Room B (Ralph Ellison)
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Continuing Education
Event Description:

Improve your reading and other basic skills in this class made possible by Community Literacy Centers. This class meets every Monday and Wednesday from 10:30-12:30.  

This event is in the "Teens" group.
This event is in the "Adults" group.

Ralph Ellison Magic the Gathering Club

6:00pm - 8:00pm
Teens, Adults
Ralph Ellison Library
Library Branch: Ralph Ellison Library
Room: Meeting Room B (Ralph Ellison)
Age Group: Teens, Adults
Program Type: DIY & Hobbies, Games & Gaming
Event Description:

You have been summoned to join The Gathering! Spend your mana and summon your creatures at the Ralph Ellison Library, as we host our Magic the Gathering Club. Newcomers and Veterans alike are welcome. No Cards? No Problem!

This event is in the "Teens" group.
This event is in the "Adults" group.

Painting Party: Tea Towels and Aprons

3:30pm - 4:30pm
Teens, Adults
Ralph Ellison Library
Registration
Library Branch: Ralph Ellison Library
Room: Meeting Room A (Ralph Ellison)
Age Group: Teens, Adults
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, DIY & Hobbies, Health & Wellness
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 1
Event Description:

Personalize your kitchen with a hands-on make and take activity for teens and adults. Bring your apron or tea towel back for one of our upcoming cooking programs!

This event is in the "All Ages" group.

Pet Food Pantry

11:30am - 12:30pm
All Ages
Ralph Ellison Library
Library Branch: Ralph Ellison Library
Room: Outdoors (Ralph Ellison)
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Community & Civics, Outdoor Program
Event Description:

The Pet Food Pantry of Oklahoma, Central Oklahoma's Food Bank for Pets, will bring their mobile food pantry to the Ralph Ellison parking lot to give away food for your dog or cat. Food available while supplies last.

This event is in the "Birth-PreK" group.

Saturday Morning Storytime

11:00am - 11:30am
Birth-PreK
Ralph Ellison Library
Registration
Library Branch: Ralph Ellison Library
Room: Meeting Room AB (Ralph Ellison)
Age Group: Birth-PreK
Program Type: Storytimes
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 19
Event Description:

Join us for a lively Saturday Morning Storytime at the Ralph Ellison Library, a fun-filled 30-minute session designed for toddlers and preschoolers ages 1-5!

This event is in the "Teens" group.
This event is in the "Adults" group.

Ralph Ellison Magic the Gathering Tournament

2:00pm - 4:30pm
Teens, Adults
Ralph Ellison Library
Library Branch: Ralph Ellison Library
Room: Meeting Room B (Ralph Ellison)
Age Group: Teens, Adults
Program Type: DIY & Hobbies, Games & Gaming
Event Description:

You have been summoned to join The Gathering! Spend your mana and summon your creatures at the Ralph Ellison Library, as we host our Magic the Gathering Club. Newcomers and Veterans alike are welcome. No Cards? No Problem!